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photos by PAUL EFIRD/NEWS SENTINEL With help from their dog Daisy, Brian and Debra Douglas show off their recently patented canine surgical-aftercare garment Sunday in Island Home Park. Along with co-inventor Evelyn Hollenshead, the couple came up with the invention to eliminate the need for dogs to wear the traditional but unwieldy Elizabethan collars during the recovery process.

Sunday, August 10, 2014

A quick explanation to our friends of the blog: we've been busy! While devastating, the losses of Katy of Shiva has instilled in us the commitment to use them to generate much good. Inspired by Katy's post-operative suffering caused by the much-despised cone, our canine surgical after-care garment recently was awarded a utility patent and is now under consideration for international production and distribution. When properly fitted and applied, it reduces - and in most cases eliminates - the need for the cone and the crate as standard post-surgical care. We are very excited!

In addition to that good stuff, we also have a new version of the "old school" ramp intended for all the dogs unable - or unwilling - to use one. Still under development and in patent-pending status, this innovation could revolutionize the way elderly, disabled and ramp-averse dogs are moved by their people. Validated by the scientific research of - among others - pioneering animal behaviorist and welfare advocate Dr. Temple Grandin, the functionality of this ramp eliminates fear of the "visual cliff" and removes much of the risk associated with changing elevations.

To aid in its development, our ramp will be the subject of a kickstarter crowdfunding campaign beginning later today. When we go live, a link will be posted here and all are asked to share, share, share - please support us in any way you can! Thank you!!

Saturday, August 31, 2013

This exciting announcement from our friends at Morris Animal Foundation has us spinning in circles and barking with joy! For the first time, a large group of single-breed dogs (in this case, 3,000 Golden Retrievers) will be studied over the course of their entire lives in an attempt to unravel some of the mysteries of that insidious and relentless foe.

While we enjoyed almost three-and-a-half years of "Bonus Time" after Shiva's osteosarcoma diagnosis and amputation, we lived in constant fear of its return. While it eventually did, we had far moretime than even the most optimistic veterinary minds dared hope...time that - unfortunately - most of our other canine cancer-suffering friends did not have. That's why this study is SO important.

If you happen to have a pedigreed Golden under 2 years years of age, sign up! You'll be doing all of dogdom a favor. Even if you don't, please tell your friends. Odds are, someone they know does.

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

While the jury is still out as we await actual independent, long-term studies on the possible effects of genetically modified ingredients on both humans and animals, increasing debate and information should provide those interested with much to digest. Rather than rehash it here, feel free to click this link to read Mr. Man's assessment of the situation.

Hope all of you are having a wonderful summer, and we'll be back soon to update you on what's been happening in our world. As always, massive spirit WOOFS from the Red Dog!!

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

As mentioned here in March, our dear friend Sadie had surgery to remove her spleen due to what her veterinarians strongly suspected was hemangiosarcoma. An old foe we know all too well, this disease is both common and deadly; HOWEVER, once the good doctors removed her spleen, they discovered the tumor was of an uncommon but altogether benign variety!

Since that time, Sadie the Sunshine Girl has been wiggling and dancing her way back to robust good health. Everyone shared a huge sigh of relief knowing this sweet girl gets to experience yet another spring with her beloved human mom Lisa and canine sister Charlie (or Chuck the Pug as we like to call her).

Sadie doing one of the things she does best.

Thanks to all of you for the thoughts and prayers, as we get the joy of sharing an unexpectedly happy ending. WOOF!!

Sunday, April 28, 2013

There are many regular folks performing heroic acts every day to help dogs at home and around the country. One of our favorite is Tinah Utsman at the TRU Dog Network. Please take a few moments to read this article and join-up with her efforts through her email list or on Facebook. She's the real deal!